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The Boys in the Boat

An Epic Journey to the Heart of Hitler's Berlin

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The Boys in the Boat

By: Daniel James Brown
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
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About this listen

Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year, this is the bestselling story about a rowing team's quest for Olympic gold in Nazi Germany.

Cast aside by his family at an early age, abandoned and left to fend for himself in the woods of Washington State, young Joe Rantz turns to rowing as a way of escaping his past.

What follows is an extraordinary journey, as Joe and eight other working-class boys exchange the sweat and dust of life in 1930s America for the promise of glory at the heart of Hitler's Berlin. Stroke by stroke, a remarkable young man strives to regain his shattered self-regard, to dare again to trust in others–and to find his way back home.

Told against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Daniel James Brown's The Boys in the Boat is narrative non-fiction of the first order; a personal story full of lyricism and unexpected beauty that rises above the grand sweep of history, and captures instead the purest essence of what it means to be alive.

©2013 Daniel James Brown (P)2013 Penguin Audio Americas Olympics & Paralympics Sailing & Boating United States Water Sports Sports Inspiring American History
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I was taken by surprise that such a story could be related and relatable, maintain interest and build in excitement especially given that we are made aware of the ending from the very beginning and that I had thought watching rowing was akin to watching a car or bike race. I now know it was and is all about the team.

Hitler Shell Shocked

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fantastic audio book. Well written gem with perfect narration. one of my all time favourites.

fantastic

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This book is so sad but exciting I read it twice from cover to cover. Joe’s father comes across as the weakest father. Who could abandon a son like he did. And how did Joe overcome everything obstacle thrust at him? A marvellous, entertaining, enlightening book on the achievements of a boat of rowers who were coached to greatness. Loved all the characters, and the background knowledge of rowing. Thank you for a great book.

Extraordinary story

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A very inspiring story. Well written and narrator suited it perfectly. Have seen the movie which I enjoyed but the book as usual was much better.

Inspiring story

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As a ex rower I felt at times like I was back in the boat. Utxeas interesting to hear the struggles they went to just to get into Uni, let slobs to compete at the Olympics

Very interesting real story

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I don’t usually like this genre but wanted to read it after I saw a movie trailer. I loved this story of courage and determination. A reminder of the values and work ethics once held.

Great Story

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The confirmation that you can win over adversity and through hard sheer work. That the good guys do win.

The story was so meaningful

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A little more details on the others boats in the Olympic race and about the other boys in the freshman boat

Best audiobook ever

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History, sport, Gilmore girls! What else could you need. Highly recommend! A perfect balance of dipping your toes into a world without being overwhelmed with every little detail. Perfect storytelling and great speaker!

Must listen!

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I loved that these men, many of little means or abject poverty, pulled together in triumph to secure an Olympic gold medal. What hero’s of their time

What an incredible story

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